"...When He [Jesus] saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd." Matt 9:36

"Do not rob the poor, because he is poor... for the Lord will take up their case and plunder those who plunder them." Proverbs 22:22-23

Monday, November 8, 2010

Very Positive Meeting with Sheriff John Rutherford

Today my lawyer and I had our meeting with Sheriff John Rutherford following the settlement of the First Amendment lawsuit against the city of Jacksonville last month. We met downtown in the sheriff's office. The meeting was very positive and productive, and I am greatly encouraged that the end result of this lawsuit will be positive change at the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office.

We listened to the sheriff and the city's lawyer explain what changes they are already in the process of studying and implementing stemming from the facts discovered in this case. There are multiple areas of change they are looking at, even a few more than we anticipated going into the meeting. We also shared with the sheriff some ideas we had in these areas for improvement in JSO policy, and we had a very healthy exchange of ideas.

The sheriff and the city counsel have agreed to keep us posted as they progress through the process of making these changes. I pledge to keep my readers informed of these, and will share more details later.

I can't tell you how extremely satisfying it is to know that the end result of a very painful process such as this lawsuit and the long, arduous discovery process will ultimately result in positive changes to improve the ethics and conflict of interest policies at JSO. We have full confidence that Sheriff Rutherford is committed to making these changes, and as I said I will provide updates in the future as things move forward.

Absolutely I will. There is some very, very interesting, some surprising, some even startling information in the hours of depositions. Some even humorous moments that my readers will enjoy reading about.

I anticipate that activity on the church lawsuit is going to begin ramping up very soon, so probably best to hold off for now on discussing the previous case.

Thank you, Sheriff Rutherford. When my cynical nature had me doubting if any of our city leaders had any ethics or common sense, I am glad to read that you see the concerns WD raised and are willing to make positive changes. You have, and will continue to have, my support!

Great job, Sheriff Rutherford. Want to know why no one is blogging about Sheriff Rutherford? Because he is a wise, gracious servant leader who is not above criticism and he knows how to treat those without any power who have concerns. He doesn't use his power and influence to silence them. He has shown Mac Brunson how to handle people. With humility, kindness, graciousness and respect. Why couldn't or why won't, Mac Brunson do this?

Could it be that the wife and retired judge won't allow him to? We shall see. Can't wait until the next round of depos when ALL the trustees (even the "president" at the time) and ALL the discipline committee members, and many of those deacons who were there during John Blount's "presentation"...get deposed.

It's hard to tell all that went on here. I look forward to a summary as well.

I have a Pacer number and have meant to read what I understand was your lawyer's motion for summary judgment, which is very unusual in a plaintiff's case like this. There must have been some really interesting facts that tumbled out during discovery.

Dr Dog- I, too, am very impressed with the way Sheriff Rutherford is graciously and diligently handling this issue. And much appreciation to you for caring enough to do the right thing !! This looks like a win-win. We can only hope that Mac Brunson will be as humble and gracious.

I believe the Sheriff has and will do the right thing. First, he recognized the failings within the department that brought this negative mark on his administration. 2. Secondly, as a leader it was up to him to set things right. 3. Thirdly, he will along with the attorney make this a priority never to happen again.

The Sheriff and the adm is foremost in office to SERVE THE PEOPLE and to protect individual rights. My hats off to Mr. Rutherford.

Anon. Have you ever heard of the song "Anchors Away My Boys Anchors Away'? Some anchors hold for awhile but then they have to be lifted in order for the ship to move. No ships' anchor holds forever. Sometimes its better to cut your bait and make a run for it.

WD: As I have expressed to you before....many thanks for your stand on this issue. I will be watching to see if anything "really" improves in these issues of "our rights" vs power players. I must say that I think this will have national implication on the fight for Freedom of Speech. I hope so anyway. But being the pessimist I am I still look for the culprits to wiggle out of justice somehow. They always do. Having been through much anguish fostered by a "mega", I am still angry as no one has ever or will ever apologize for my suffering. I will have to wait until God sets it straight in Heaven. I have rejoiced that you did what I couldn't. God bless you and yours.

"Anon. Have you ever heard of the song "Anchors Away My Boys Anchors Away'? Some anchors hold for awhile but then they have to be lifted in order for the ship to move. No ships' anchor holds forever. Sometimes its better to cut your bait and make a run for it."

November 8, 2010 9:52 PM==============================Amen Brother! Isn't it a shame the ship @ FBCJ had to drop an anchor in the 1st place because of a bully pastor. This ship was grounded way before WD came along - the crew was already jumping ship.

WD, at some point are you going to share details of what you learned in the depositions? Not trying to rush you, just curious.

I'm sure he will, seeing that he has not managed to totally destroy MB at this point. Tom will not stop until he has vengence against all those who "he" feels has wronged him. It is all about Tom. To heck with the church. To heck with the ministries that will be effected. Tom hates Mac. Tom hates FBCJ. Tom is looking to have his ego stroked, so the answer is definately yes. He will continue to spew hatred on this blog until "he" feels better. The heck with anybody else.

"I'm sure he will, seeing that he has not managed to totally destroy MB at this point. Tom will not stop until he has vengence against all those who "he" feels has wronged him. It is all about Tom. To heck with the church. To heck with the ministries that will be effected. Tom hates Mac. Tom hates FBCJ. Tom is looking to have his ego stroked, so the answer is definately yes. He will continue to spew hatred on this blog until "he" feels better. The heck with anybody else."

You know what? I know this is not true, but Who would blame him IF he felt this way.

MAC A RONI, just like others in Ga did with that Ga blogger, and all his disciples underestimated the response they would receive from WD and results from their actions.

Guess this taught them and may others within "the Baptist Mafia" to NEVER underestimate those you think you can BULLY - because they may have an answer for you that you may not like!!!!

If you were a follower of Jesus you would be able to look at the truth hidden from you. Unfortunately, many of gods creation will not be saved. Hate is derived from fear, anger, or a sense of injury. Every created thing, at one point in their life, anamal of human encounter this unless they are a robut. Are you a church robut? The information on this is simply pointing out truth. FBCJ supporters responced to many comments made with a sence of anger. Your paster himself, more than likley, feels a sence of injury. But that injury is self inflecting. you your self have show anger with your statment calling for hate. Are you a FBCJ member? discrediting will not make life pains go away. Usually other means will do that job.

To 12:00 anon. You should have heard Dr Lindsay's sermon yesterday at 88.7 FM. In that sermon he said never follow a pastor or a deacon!!!! Only follow Jesus. Possibly you can go by the tape ministry and get a copy and hear it for yourself. Like Dr Lindsay said I for one never follow any MAN. They all are dirty rotten sinners. Get over yourself.

Tom Rich does not hate Mac Brunson. I am an unactive member of FBCJ and can testify that Brunson and his team did not treat this family in a spiritual manner, nor did the Discipline "friends" of Brunson. They are tight knit clan and stick together as friends. If you only knew the members who show up regularly and talk about how they dislike this preacher.

What I dislike is those members (deacons too) who want others to be their voice - I stopped going to FBCJ because of people like them - there's not an ounce of hate in the hearts of the Rich family.

Louis - I have a copy of the MSJ if you want a copy, email me privately and I'll forward a copy to you. Would be interested in knowing your thoughts as someone like yourself who has somewhat followed the goings on in the blog.

I feel bad for you, I wonder if you are there at FBC Jax, and what you've been told that would lead you to these false conclusions about me.

I am not a member of FBCJ and the conclusion I have come to about you is a result of your own doing. This site serves no purpose other than to hurt and destroy. When are you just going to move on? Enough is enough! You seek vendication, not resolution. This will never end for you because you are only thinking about you. What is sad is that you have allowed this event to define you. I'm afaid your tombstone will read, "I got 'em good". Sad! Who cares?

This site serves no purpose other than to hurt and destroy. When are you just going to move on? Enough is enough! You seek vendication, not resolution. This will never end for you because you are only thinking about you. What is sad is that you have allowed this event to define you. I'm afaid your tombstone will read, "I got 'em good". Sad! Who cares?

November 9, 2010 2:19 PM___________________________________

God cares. It's called JUSTICE. Our God is a God of justice. He does not like the abuse of power by the powerful to oppress the powerless. Seek Justice, Watchdog. Even though some kool-aid drinkers would prefer that you just go away. (Even thought the trespass warnings are still in effect and the harm to your reputation is ongoing because of what "God' man" said about you in the newspaper.)

But let's try that reasoning with Mac and Soud: Hey guys, enough is enough. Apologize, retract your statements and deacon resolution. You seek vendication, not resolution. This will never end for you because you are only thinking about you. What is sad is that you have allowed this event to define you. I'm afaid your tombstone will read, "I got 'em good". Sad! Who cares?

You say not to follow man but you follow Tom. Ironic.___________________________________

Do I? I don't attend his church. I don't listen to him preach every week. I don't buy his books. I don't give money to pay his salary. I don't go on blogs to defend him. Ironic that you do those things for Mac though and yet call us the followers. That is ironic.

To borrow an idea from the govt., I think preachers should have "Term Limits". Wouldn't that be a lot easier. Then when one preacher has basically ruined the church, another one can step in and finish it off. Getting the last dollar out of it. Leaving the members without a church, wondering what happened. Oh, I forgot that is already in progress. Yes sir, term limits...that's the way to go.

"I'm sure he will, seeing that he has not managed to totally destroy MB at this point. Tom will not stop until he has vengence against all those who "he" feels has wronged him. It is all about Tom. To heck with the church. To heck with the ministries that will be effected. Tom hates Mac. Tom hates FBCJ. Tom is looking to have his ego stroked, so the answer is definately yes. He will continue to spew hatred on this blog until "he" feels better. The heck with anybody else.

I don't think for a minute that this guy represents people at FBC Jax. No way. This is just an angry, resentful person, probably a very young person, maybe a family member who has been hurt through this...so really, I do understand. No big deal.

I don't think for a minute that this guy represents people at FBC Jax. No way. This is just an angry, resentful person, probably a very young person, maybe a family member who has been hurt through this...so really, I do understand. No big deal.

November 9, 2010 4:18 PM

Perhaps. But they certainly do not do Mac any favors because this is what most of us think comes out of FBCJax from the Mac defenders here. My guess is that Mac wishes they would shut up which is why I am glad you post them. Not real good for his "image management".

Wow!!!! Comparing Tom to Martin Luther! Seriously? This statement is beyond idiotic or absurd! It's just plain dumb! Remember that Martin Luther wasn't afraid to sign his disagreement, nor did he seek to destroy those of whom he disagreed. Martin Luther was driven by a new found grace.

Wow!!!! Comparing Tom to Martin "Luther! Seriously? This statement is beyond idiotic or absurd! It's just plain dumb! Remember that Martin Luther wasn't afraid to sign his disagreement, nor did he seek to destroy those of whom he disagreed. Martin Luther was driven by a new found grace."

Only ridiculous to you because you are a blind fool who only wants to see what you are looking for.

Don't be such an incredible hater that you won't allow one similarity between Tom and Martin Luther. That's like saying no person could ever have anything in common with Jesus or be accused of comparing yourself to Jesus. That's hate disguised in ignorance.

"A comparison to Nixon would be a closer fit for Tom."___________________________________

Actually, I kind of liked Nixon. And Mac seems more comparable to Nixon in that Nixon was paranoid and ordered the Watergate break-in and then denied any knowledge of it and was protected while others took the fall, while Mac...oh never mind.

The Sheriff runs all over FREE SPEACH. He fired 5 new Officers last year for telling dirty jokes about two other officer having a SEXUAL AFFAIR on duty and being paid by the Sheriff to do it! He fired the Officers for joking and he KEPT the Officer having the affair.

About Me

We're small, insignificant, and harmless. But we have a loud, piercing bark that seems to annoy those in mega churches the most. Not Kool-Aid drinkers, only fresh, filtered water, please; with Grape or Cherry flavoring from Walmart. "Let him alone; God hath bidden him to speak:"